The easiest strategy I found for a beginner is a Fascist Farmer.

Mainly because there are fewer things to keep track of, and has a higher threshold for recovery when mistakes are made.

Fascist Farmer Build a good count construction sites getting your build per turn to 50+
Explore
build farms
sell food
buy agricultural and military technology
buy adequate defense for your country

check the score sheet and compare you land to net worth ratio to other countries around you. If you seem a bit land fat get more defensive military, or buy up some weapons tech to minimize your military expenses.

If you plan on land grabbing other countries keep in mind it is not what you take but what you keep that ultimately counts at the end of the day.